Lough Ree RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched came to the assistance of two cruisers on the lake over the bank holiday weekend, taking seven people to safety.
Just after lunchtime on Saturday (5 June), the volunteer crew responded to a call from a cruiser with five people on board which was grounded on Kids Island near Lough Ree Yacht Club.
On reaching the scene, a line was attached to the grounded cruiser and it was taken on tow off the rocks and escorted to Coosan Point.
In the second incident, on Sunday evening (6 June), a member of the public raised the alarm when a cruiser was seen to be in difficulties in Portrunny Bay.
Under helm Tom Bradbury and with a volunteer crew on board, the Lough Ree lifeboat Tara Scougall reached the scene at 6.35pm. Following assessment, the boat was towed off the rocks and escorted to Portrunny on the Roscommon shore.
The two callouts bring to 11 the total of people the lifesaving charity has assisted on Lough Ree this June.
And as the summer season gains momentum, volunteer lifeboat operations manager Jude Kilmartin has reminded all of those who use the lake to “equip themselves fully and ensure that they are familiar with navigation maps and guidance for Lough Ree”.